Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) communicates with an external processing unit by transmitting device data and configuration information that describes the device data. The external processing unit processes the device data for display based on the configuration information. The IMD notifies the external processing unit of a change to characteristics of the device data by transmitting the changed device data and updated configuration information.

Abstract: A device external to an implantable medical device (IMD) is provided with an accurate reference clock. The programmer receives time data from the IMD and compares that data to time data from the reference clock. Based on this comparison, the programmer determines how much a clock within the IMD is drifting per unit of time. A correction factor is generated so that data received from the IMD can then be correlated to the correct reference time.

Abstract: A component-based software architecture environment is provided for information networks used for administering one or more implantable medical devices (IMDs) in one or more patients. Various interface schema which may be used in implementing an IMD network are provided, as well as common interfaces for development of software within the network environment. The information network, and the software used in and implementing the network, may be upgraded and developed in a distributed and incremental manner, without requiring modification of entire systems or device instructions.

Abstract: A method and a system for conducting failure mode recovery of an implanted medical device. The embodiments described reduce the risk of leaving an IMD in an undesirable state when conditions during programming of the IMD unexpectedly change. In an example embodiment, failure mode recovery in an implanted device is facilitated when a communications link with a medical communications system having an application program is interrupted. The failure mode recovery method includes establishing a communications link between the medical communications system and an extender module configured to receive an application proxy from the application program. An application proxy is then loaded into the extender module via the application program. The application proxy is configured to transition the implanted device to a recovery state in response to a set of conditions. The implanted device then transitions to a completed state via the application program, while transitioning of the completed state is monitored.

Abstract: A communication system is provided which allows real-time communication between a deployed implantable medical device (IMD) and a computing resource capable of storing and distributing patient and device data. A deployed IMD may be polled by a network interface external to the host patient, and data may be received by wireless real-time communication in a manner which ensures secure and reliable information exchange. A bandwidth or baud rate monitor is used to verify the viability of the network-IMD connection for the intended use and then monitors the connection to ensure that bandwidth remains reliable. An alert feature notifies the user of any threatening bandwidth onset. This feature allows vibrant exchange of real-time information from the patient-IMD to a medical provider or system expert.

Abstract: A component-based software architecture environment is provided for information networks used for administering one or more implantable medical devices (IMDs) in one or more patients. Various interface schema which may be used in implementing an IMD network are provided, as well as common interfaces for development of software within the network environment. The information network, and the software used in and implementing the network, may be upgraded and developed in a distributed and incremental manner, without requiring modification of entire systems or device instructions.

Abstract: A communication system is provided which allows real-time communication between a deployed implantable medical device (IMD) and a computing resource capable of storing and distributing patient and device data. A deployed IMD may be polled by a network interface external to the host patient, and data may be received by wireless real-time communication in a manner which ensures secure and reliable information exchange. A bandwidth or baud rate monitor is used to verify the viability of the network-IMD connection for the intended use and then monitors the connection to ensure that bandwidth remains reliable. An alert feature notifies the user of any threatening bandwidth onset. This feature allows vibrant exchange of real-time information from the patient-IMD to a medical provider or system expert.